Pura vida! Costa Rica is packed with adventure, like whitewater rafting down tropical rivers, surfing on world-class beaches, and hiking in lush rainforests. Wildlife abounds in this diverse landscape; don’t be startled the first time you hear a howler monkey—they’ll keep their distance! We’ll see bubbling mud pits and mini-geysers around volcanoes, visit cascading waterfalls, and walk in the country’s famous cloud forests. We’ll make sure to give back to local communities by participating in meaningful service projects.
Costa Rica Discovery
Enroll NowCosta Rica Discovery
Destination
Costa Rica
Current Grades
7th-9th
Airports
Arrive: San Jose (SJO)
Depart: San Jose (SJO)
Itinerary
Days 1-4: HIKE THROUGH HEREDIA AND WHITEWATER RAFT THE RÍO PACUARE
After landing in San Jose and exploring the nearby, culturally-rich Heredia, we’ll set off on our Costa Rica adventure with a two-day jaunt down the warm, jade-green waters of the Río Pacuare! Surrounded by dense, lush rainforest and cascading waterfalls, we’ll switch between calm waters and exciting class II–IV rapids; keep your ears pricked and eyes peeled for toucans, parrots, sloths, monkeys, and more. National Geographic has named this river as one of the top 10 rivers to raft in the world.
Accommodation: Eco-Resort
Days 5-7: LEARN TO SURF IN TAMARINDO
While in Costa Rica, you have to learn how to surf! Three days with professional surf instructors will teach us correct technique, water safety and awareness, and surf etiquette. Playa Tamarindo is acclaimed for its reliable, beginner-friendly waves; in fact, this entire area attracts surfers of all abilities from across the globe. When we’ve had our fill of the breaks, we’ll relax on the beach and explore the artsy town of Tamarindo. One afternoon will be spent on a private cruise around Flamingo Bay, where we’ll splash around in numerous snorkeling spots.
Accommodation: Hostel
Dates and Prices
-
Departure Day
06/29/24
-
Return Day
07/12/24
-
Grade
7–9
-
Price
$5,088
-
Availability
Full
-
Departure Day
07/15/24
-
Return Day
07/28/24
-
Grade
7–9
-
Price
$5,088
-
Availability
Full
Departure Day | Return Day | Grade | Price | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|
06/29/24
|
07/12/24
|
7–9
|
$5,088
|
full
|
07/15/24
|
07/28/24
|
7–9
|
$5,088
|
full
|
Accommodations & Service
Community Service: Approximately 15 Hours
- Siempre Amigos: Humanitarian projects vary from year to year based on community needs. Projects are usually a combination of housing projects and school visits.
Accommodations:
- The students will stay in bed and breakfast style accommodations. We stay in small, comfortable, and authentic eco-lodges and hotels.
Activities
Community service: 15 hours
Hiking
Cultural immersion
River tubing
Surfing
Whitewater rafting
Ziplining
Reviews
It was amazing experience for her to go away so far for 2 weeks, plus be out of the country, make all new friends, get homesick and persevere and thrive and love the experience. I was so proud of her and she came back so confident and loving her new friends. She did not miss her phone the entire time!
Going into the trip not knowing anyone was a very valuable experience, because it took me out of my comfort zone and helped me to learn skills that will benefit me throughout my life.
It was a great experience from beginning to end. The trip exceeded my expectations, the trip leaders were great, and my daughter had a wonderful time. It was easy to reach the staff, and they always answered my questions promptly.
I was very pleased with the overall experience from beginning to end. Bold Earth is a first-class organization.
I loved meeting all the new people and trying something new every day, whether it was a fun activity, a food, or connecting with the people that lived in Costa Rica, specifically when we were in the homestays. I loved this trip so much and made so many new friends.
I loved having the chance to know and bond with so many people as I explored Costa Rica and had the time of my life!
I think this was a great trip for Lyla. She made some good friends and had some wonderful stories to share. Overall, Bold Earth seems great. Thank you for your work!
Surfing and hanging out with my group was the best. It was life-changing and the best 14 days of my life. There was never a dull moment, and I was always busy and having a blast.
Bold Earth proved to be a safe and fun adventure for Kate with some meaningful interaction mixed in. She enjoyed the homestays and loved the local food. Kate also liked the activity level day to day. Darcy was open and friendly with communication, and I appreciated the time she took to make sure Kate was ready for the trip and would be able to participate in all activities.